A part time job last October at the Pope County Library led Sherry Simpson to the job of her dreams.

“I was looking for a job in the education field that would allow me to spend more time with my seven-year-old son,” Simpson said. “The library seemed like the perfect place for me. I cherish literacy and education and have seen first-hand the difference it can make in the world.”

After just five weeks with the library, Simpson accepted a full time position as the assistant department head of circulation. Five weeks later, she accepted the position of adult and teen librarian.

“I’m excited to get back to my passion of working with kids,” Simpson said. “We have opportunities to impact the lives of so many teens in the area. It’s a big responsibility and one I look forward to meeting head-on.”

Before Simpson accepted the position in February, Emily Moore was director of children, adult and teen programs.

“I really didn’t have the time to spend with the adult and teen programs that I wanted to,” Moore said. “I developed several programs, but they operated self-sufficiently. Sherry will have the time to devote, not just to developing programs, but she’ll be able to oversee them and become more hands on than I was.”

Simpson said her first priority is to develop a teen advisory board.

“I need to know what programs the kids actually want,” Simpson said. “I can plan programs all day long, but if my ideas aren’t what the kids actually want, attendance would be slim at best. I want our library to be someplace teens want to hang out after school.”

Each summer the Pope County Regional Library system has a summer reading program for children, teens and adults.

Last year 724 children, 74 adults and 128 teens participated in the program.

Simpson said increased participation among teens and adults this summer is a primary goal.

“We have great participation in our children’s summer reading program,” Simpson said. “I’d love to see the numbers in our teen program double. Our theme this year is ‘own the night.’ We have several exciting events planned including a lock-in and astronomy nights.”

Simpson said developing additional adult programming is also a priority.

“The adult theme for summer reading this year is “‘Between the covers,’” Simpson said. “I think just the title alone might generate some enthusiasm. I’m also interested in offering computer classes specifically designed for grandparents and retirees to learn more about how to use Skype and Facebook.”

Simpson said she was amazed to learn of the many programs offered at the library and wants to share her passion for reading and education, along with her love of the library with the community.

“I don’t think people realize just how much there is to do here,” Simpson said. “Did you know we have a writing group that meets each month? Did you know that you can not only learn how to tie a fly, you can actually check out a fishing pole and go fishing?”

The fly tying kits and fishing poles are a special joint project provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The kits come complete with everything needed to tie a fly, and the poles can be checked out at the desk.

“I think more people would take advantage of the opportunities if they knew about them,” Simpson said. “I really want to increase the visibility of our programs and encourage everyone — children, teens and adults — to read. Everyone will read if you just find the right book.”

Simpson worked for three years at Winrock International promoting education programs and scholarships for women and girls in Africa. Community service and advocacy are traits she hopes to pass on to area youth.

“I want to offer community service projects to our teens,” Simpson said. “Our library system is what it is because people in the community care. I want to instill that same commitment to community excellence in our youth.”

For now, Simpson said she is focused on learning about past programs from Moore, planning future programs and loving her job.

“Emily is a hard act to follow,” Simpson said. “She is crafty and the children love her. Everyone says I speak teen. I think that’s true, and I hope my passion leads to a great, long-lasting partnership with the youth in our community.”